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The Grandest Game #1
The Grandest Game
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Young Adult Fiction (2024)Seven tickets. An island of dreams. The chance of a lifetime.
Welcome to the Grandest Game, an annual competition run by billionaire Avery Grambs and the four infamous Hawthorne brothers, whose family fortune she inherited. Designed to give anyone a shot at fame and fortune, this year's game requires one of seven golden tickets to enter. With millions on the line, those seven players will do whatever it takes to win.
Some of the players are in it for the money. Some for power. Some for reasons all their own. Every single one of them has secrets. Amidst it all is Grayson Hawthorne, tasked with a vital role in this year's game. But as tensions rise and the mind-bending challenges push the players to their limits-physically, mentally, and emotionally-it soon becomes clear that not everyone is playing by the rules.
Jennifer Lynn Barnes delivers a brand-new series in the world of The Inheritance Games, where fan-favourite and new characters collide in a game you'll never forget.
Do you have what it takes to play?
Welcome to the Grandest Game, an annual competition run by billionaire Avery Grambs and the four infamous Hawthorne brothers, whose family fortune she inherited. Designed to give anyone a shot at fame and fortune, this year's game requires one of seven golden tickets to enter. With millions on the line, those seven players will do whatever it takes to win.
Some of the players are in it for the money. Some for power. Some for reasons all their own. Every single one of them has secrets. Amidst it all is Grayson Hawthorne, tasked with a vital role in this year's game. But as tensions rise and the mind-bending challenges push the players to their limits-physically, mentally, and emotionally-it soon becomes clear that not everyone is playing by the rules.
Jennifer Lynn Barnes delivers a brand-new series in the world of The Inheritance Games, where fan-favourite and new characters collide in a game you'll never forget.
Do you have what it takes to play?
Paperback
First published July 30, 2024
5430 people are currently reading
132205 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Lynn Barnes
46 books54.5k followersJennifer Lynn Barnes (who mostly goes by Jen) was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She has been, in turn, a competitive cheerleader, a volleyball player, a dancer, a debutante, a primate cognition researcher, a teen model, a comic book geek, and a lemur aficionado. She's been writing for as long as she can remember, finished her first full book (which she now refers to as a "practice book" and which none of you will ever see) when she was still in high school, and then wrote Golden the summer after her freshman year in college, when she was nineteen.
Jen graduated high school in 2002, and from Yale University with a degree in cognitive science (the study of the brain and thought) in May of 2006. She'll be spending the 2006-2007 school year abroad, doing autism research at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
Jen graduated high school in 2002, and from Yale University with a degree in cognitive science (the study of the brain and thought) in May of 2006. She'll be spending the 2006-2007 school year abroad, doing autism research at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 8,833 reviews
August 2, 2024
Before I start this review, please note that this is my honest opinion and if you find yourself disagreeing, please be respectful in the comments. I don't wish to be a ranter but I found things to be not working for me at all. It is a book that will work for others but I am absolutely unimpressed with it.
Firstly, the book is cunningly matketed or led to believe that the central character is Grayson. Even reading the blurb makes it seem like it's a spin off for him as a main character where we might get his pov. That's not the case tho. I found this marketing strategy to be false and just a way to get people hooked who wanted some justice to that particular character. The book's central figures are Rohan, Lyra and Gigi. Grayson yet again finds himself in a spot where he is underutilized imo.
The character dynamics don't work. Lyra has no personality. She is bland, no life to her. It's like reading a dead person's pov. Gigi is annoying. Rohan and Savannah kept things interesting at times but when they were next to other characters, their personalities clashed and it created an unbalance. This book was supposed to redeem Grayson's lack of personality, yet here we are. Idk what personal vendetta JLB has against a character she herself wrote but she clearly wants readers to not like him. The romance between him and Lyra is just not it. Avery and Jameson crumbs- the book could have used them more.
The plot is so weak. It's so effing weak, it's making me cry out of frustation. Also, correct me if am wrong but what's the point of Avery's games if only the rich people are participating? Like I don't mean to be a hater, but how is this book not a rich people making other rich people richer? 😭😂
The writing is average. It doesn't create the magic The Inheritance Games series did. The games and puzzles bored me. I just wanted it to end. The plot twists and reveals were bleh.
I believe it's time for me to part ways with this author and the future books in this series. An advice to authors- if you have wrapped up a popular series with a good end, let it stay that way. Don't go digging around and trying to create unnecessary books just for money grab. It backfires majority of the times. Not only was this book misleading in marketing, it was utter trash.
~•~•~
I swear if this one is half as bad as the last one, am out. Am here just for Grayson anyway...
Firstly, the book is cunningly matketed or led to believe that the central character is Grayson. Even reading the blurb makes it seem like it's a spin off for him as a main character where we might get his pov. That's not the case tho. I found this marketing strategy to be false and just a way to get people hooked who wanted some justice to that particular character. The book's central figures are Rohan, Lyra and Gigi. Grayson yet again finds himself in a spot where he is underutilized imo.
The character dynamics don't work. Lyra has no personality. She is bland, no life to her. It's like reading a dead person's pov. Gigi is annoying. Rohan and Savannah kept things interesting at times but when they were next to other characters, their personalities clashed and it created an unbalance. This book was supposed to redeem Grayson's lack of personality, yet here we are. Idk what personal vendetta JLB has against a character she herself wrote but she clearly wants readers to not like him. The romance between him and Lyra is just not it. Avery and Jameson crumbs- the book could have used them more.
The plot is so weak. It's so effing weak, it's making me cry out of frustation. Also, correct me if am wrong but what's the point of Avery's games if only the rich people are participating? Like I don't mean to be a hater, but how is this book not a rich people making other rich people richer? 😭😂
The writing is average. It doesn't create the magic The Inheritance Games series did. The games and puzzles bored me. I just wanted it to end. The plot twists and reveals were bleh.
I believe it's time for me to part ways with this author and the future books in this series. An advice to authors- if you have wrapped up a popular series with a good end, let it stay that way. Don't go digging around and trying to create unnecessary books just for money grab. It backfires majority of the times. Not only was this book misleading in marketing, it was utter trash.
~•~•~
I swear if this one is half as bad as the last one, am out. Am here just for Grayson anyway...
September 6, 2024
2.5⭐️ I did not think this could be more boring than The Brothers Hawthorne but alas it was 😵😵
Do you know what this book reminded me of? You know those fantasy books where main characters are enemies but don't really know why they are enemies. The ones with very minimal plot and they are in forced proximity playing mind games on each other but in reality, doing nothing. Then suddenly they accidentally touch each other's hand in passing then keep bickering and accidentally touching. Then you get told they are now so in love and would kill for each other. And you are like what is this forced, man-made orchestrated chemistry????
I expected the level of details and brilliance of the game to be same or higher than in the first book and this just felt short. The games were boring and kind of dumb. If I were a contestant, I would have gone home especially since Jamesonand Avery decided that half of the players should be his family members 😩😩 the nepotism was so crazy
***
i literally died, i literally just died dead and i couldn't breathe anymore and so i died, rest in peace me
Do you know what this book reminded me of? You know those fantasy books where main characters are enemies but don't really know why they are enemies. The ones with very minimal plot and they are in forced proximity playing mind games on each other but in reality, doing nothing. Then suddenly they accidentally touch each other's hand in passing then keep bickering and accidentally touching. Then you get told they are now so in love and would kill for each other. And you are like what is this forced, man-made orchestrated chemistry????
I expected the level of details and brilliance of the game to be same or higher than in the first book and this just felt short. The games were boring and kind of dumb. If I were a contestant, I would have gone home especially since Jameson
***
i literally died, i literally just died dead and i couldn't breathe anymore and so i died, rest in peace me
Want to read
November 4, 2023THE ART COVER IS JUST GETTING BETTER EVERY.FUCKING.TIME.
me analyzing this cover to find out the easter eggs👴🏻👓🤏🏼.
me analyzing this cover to find out the easter eggs👴🏻👓🤏🏼.
Want to read
August 28, 2023NAW CUZ WHERE TF IS MY BOY XANDER’S BOOK
Want to read
March 22, 2024(og trilogy spoilers) (also i don’t actually want to read this) (my review is just apparently very popular)
give us averygrayson woman.
give us averygrayson woman.
September 29, 2024
3.5 ale tak właściwie, to nie wiem co mam myśleć 😂
Read
February 26, 2025I dropped on my knees in the middle of a bookstore
Want to read
August 28, 2023okay listen i love the inheritance games. am i going to pre-order this? most definitely but is she milking this series at this point? YES!!!! let grayson have his happy ever after and let us move on 😔
Want to read
July 11, 2024day one of rubbing it in everyone’s face that it will forever and always be AVERY AND JAMESON
August 2, 2024
⊹˚˖♟️⁺ ₊˚ 4 stars.
࿐ this review does not include spoilers.
plot.
‘the grandest game’ follows 7 characters as they compete to win the grandest game—an annual competition in which three guests are exclusively selected by the game master, avery kylie grambs, and four guests are lucky enough to score one of the seven golden tickets hidden around the world, which grants the fortunate individuals invites to the hawthorne island where the games will begin. each player has their reasons for participation; is it to prove themselves? is it for power? or is it simply for the 26 million dollar prize at the end of the tunnel? whatever it is, the players are suddenly launched into a world of puzzles, riddles, and games as they compete to win the grandest game with underlying danger and secrets lurking around the corner.
— ‘in the games that matter most, the only way to really play is to live.’
thoughts.
if i ever said anything about JLB milking the series, i take it back because i need the next book in my hands asap. this was such a page turner?? im gonna start off by saying that i am a complete sucker for anything set on an island, and the fact that there was a masquerade ball scene in this book makes me love it even more. i knew from the premise that i would love this, and the pacing of this book was so fast, i was hooked right from the get-go. the new characters were so refreshing, and 3 pov’s in this book were a great way to keep the reader engaged. there were times where the chapters ended on mini-cliffhangers, and i just wanted to skip the other pov’s because i was so eager to find things out. the narrative is so compelling, which isn’t something new with this author’s works. JLB is so good at making you YEARN to know what happens next in the story, and there was always something in the book that left me wondering. im not much of a detective, but i just kept trying to figure the riddles and puzzles out (to no avail) along with the many secrets and mysteries of the characters.
BUT, *cue the record scratch* this book is not perfect by any means. despite the great timing of action, gripping narrative, and fast paced plot, i did find a few faults which didnt sit right with me. there were alot of loose strings. the unfolding of lyra’s dad’s mystery was a very important aspect of the book. for something that was being built up since the first few pages, it sure was left in the dark at the end. it would have made so much more sense to wrap her mystery up in this book than potentially carry it out into the next book, since we already see great material to start the next book from. also, this is ostensibly the sort of book where events take place in a 24 hour timeline. however, the book is also pretty heavy in plot and mystery. because of this, the plot and romance felt quite rushed. linking back to the 3 pov’s topic, i would have liked this book to be longer because of the character density and the fact that this is told from multiple perspectives. it was as if she was given a strict limit as to how many pages to write, but i wouldnt have minded more pages at all!! i suppose there was an important plot twist in the book, but it was one that was previously revealed in the brothers hawthorne. but hey, atleast emily didnt come back to haunt the narrative for the 162717th time.
— ’ “the world just loves women who try.” odette caught gigi’s gaze and held it. “unless and until we try too hard.” ‘
characters & romance.
:: lyra & grayson ::
lyra is a very determined character, and her motivation was very selfless! she treats grayson like hes a piece of gum on the back of her shoe (deservedly) and i love it. i also loved the symbolism of the calla lily in relation to lyra. the fact that she was holding the flower in the same moments that she witnessed such a traumatic event as a child was so fascinating due to the flower’s symbolism to innocence, and the juxtaposition of her holding this symbolic flower as she loses her innocence was so well written. ive seen a couple arguments that grayson ’s character was bland here as opposed to in the inheritance games series, and i agree. i get that he had no reason to be cold towards lyra, since its not like she stole his inheritance or something, but still? where did grayson go? his name shouldve been plainson because thats what he was. plain. lyra described him as ‘sharp’ and whatever many times but its in response to him standing still? like he didnt even do anything in true grayson-fashion. however, their romance was still very cute and im very pleased that jennifer stopped torturing grayson and gave him his happy ending!!
:: rohan & savannah. ::
i dont read this genre, but rohan belongs in a dark romance book. i was lowkey struggling to pronounce his name (rowan? roe-han?) but he has that bad boy energy which i unfortunately love, and he was really smart. savannah is so fearless, i absolutely adore her intelligence and coldness. rohan and savannah were the best couple in this book i fear. its giving partners in crime. i started this book for grayson and lyra and abandoned them just as fast for these two. i mean the tension? i could taste it. however, the nicknames were foul. ‘british’ and ‘savvy’? get out. atleast gigi’s mimosa dude calls her ‘sunshine’, thats a beautiful nickname. but apart from that, they were my favs.
:: gigi. ::
gigi just deserves her own section. l-o-v-e her so much. she was so funny and kind. the quintessential sunshine girl. the fact that she was so determined to win and get a game ticket without intermediaries or advantages in the game was a great show of her dedication. at the end, we see her compare herself to her sister, whom she perceives as smarter than her. THIS BROKE ME. someone needs to tell this woman that she is good enough please. and the ending? im tweaking and need the next book in my hands right now.
conclusion.
for anyone in a slump, i highly recommend this!! despite some minor flaws, this book was really good. the narrative and pacing were nothing short of addictive, and im so excited for the next book which comes out in 2025!!
— ‘ “love is a strange and wild beast,” the old woman said. “it’s a gift and a comfort and a curse. remember that.” ‘
࿐ this review does not include spoilers.
plot.
‘the grandest game’ follows 7 characters as they compete to win the grandest game—an annual competition in which three guests are exclusively selected by the game master, avery kylie grambs, and four guests are lucky enough to score one of the seven golden tickets hidden around the world, which grants the fortunate individuals invites to the hawthorne island where the games will begin. each player has their reasons for participation; is it to prove themselves? is it for power? or is it simply for the 26 million dollar prize at the end of the tunnel? whatever it is, the players are suddenly launched into a world of puzzles, riddles, and games as they compete to win the grandest game with underlying danger and secrets lurking around the corner.
— ‘in the games that matter most, the only way to really play is to live.’
thoughts.
if i ever said anything about JLB milking the series, i take it back because i need the next book in my hands asap. this was such a page turner?? im gonna start off by saying that i am a complete sucker for anything set on an island, and the fact that there was a masquerade ball scene in this book makes me love it even more. i knew from the premise that i would love this, and the pacing of this book was so fast, i was hooked right from the get-go. the new characters were so refreshing, and 3 pov’s in this book were a great way to keep the reader engaged. there were times where the chapters ended on mini-cliffhangers, and i just wanted to skip the other pov’s because i was so eager to find things out. the narrative is so compelling, which isn’t something new with this author’s works. JLB is so good at making you YEARN to know what happens next in the story, and there was always something in the book that left me wondering. im not much of a detective, but i just kept trying to figure the riddles and puzzles out (to no avail) along with the many secrets and mysteries of the characters.
BUT, *cue the record scratch* this book is not perfect by any means. despite the great timing of action, gripping narrative, and fast paced plot, i did find a few faults which didnt sit right with me. there were alot of loose strings. the unfolding of lyra’s dad’s mystery was a very important aspect of the book. for something that was being built up since the first few pages, it sure was left in the dark at the end. it would have made so much more sense to wrap her mystery up in this book than potentially carry it out into the next book, since we already see great material to start the next book from. also, this is ostensibly the sort of book where events take place in a 24 hour timeline. however, the book is also pretty heavy in plot and mystery. because of this, the plot and romance felt quite rushed. linking back to the 3 pov’s topic, i would have liked this book to be longer because of the character density and the fact that this is told from multiple perspectives. it was as if she was given a strict limit as to how many pages to write, but i wouldnt have minded more pages at all!! i suppose there was an important plot twist in the book, but it was one that was previously revealed in the brothers hawthorne. but hey, atleast emily didnt come back to haunt the narrative for the 162717th time.
— ’ “the world just loves women who try.” odette caught gigi’s gaze and held it. “unless and until we try too hard.” ‘
characters & romance.
:: lyra & grayson ::
lyra is a very determined character, and her motivation was very selfless! she treats grayson like hes a piece of gum on the back of her shoe (deservedly) and i love it. i also loved the symbolism of the calla lily in relation to lyra. the fact that she was holding the flower in the same moments that she witnessed such a traumatic event as a child was so fascinating due to the flower’s symbolism to innocence, and the juxtaposition of her holding this symbolic flower as she loses her innocence was so well written. ive seen a couple arguments that grayson ’s character was bland here as opposed to in the inheritance games series, and i agree. i get that he had no reason to be cold towards lyra, since its not like she stole his inheritance or something, but still? where did grayson go? his name shouldve been plainson because thats what he was. plain. lyra described him as ‘sharp’ and whatever many times but its in response to him standing still? like he didnt even do anything in true grayson-fashion. however, their romance was still very cute and im very pleased that jennifer stopped torturing grayson and gave him his happy ending!!
:: rohan & savannah. ::
i dont read this genre, but rohan belongs in a dark romance book. i was lowkey struggling to pronounce his name (rowan? roe-han?) but he has that bad boy energy which i unfortunately love, and he was really smart. savannah is so fearless, i absolutely adore her intelligence and coldness. rohan and savannah were the best couple in this book i fear. its giving partners in crime. i started this book for grayson and lyra and abandoned them just as fast for these two. i mean the tension? i could taste it. however, the nicknames were foul. ‘british’ and ‘savvy’? get out. atleast gigi’s mimosa dude calls her ‘sunshine’, thats a beautiful nickname. but apart from that, they were my favs.
:: gigi. ::
gigi just deserves her own section. l-o-v-e her so much. she was so funny and kind. the quintessential sunshine girl. the fact that she was so determined to win and get a game ticket without intermediaries or advantages in the game was a great show of her dedication. at the end, we see her compare herself to her sister, whom she perceives as smarter than her. THIS BROKE ME. someone needs to tell this woman that she is good enough please. and the ending? im tweaking and need the next book in my hands right now.
conclusion.
for anyone in a slump, i highly recommend this!! despite some minor flaws, this book was really good. the narrative and pacing were nothing short of addictive, and im so excited for the next book which comes out in 2025!!
— ‘ “love is a strange and wild beast,” the old woman said. “it’s a gift and a comfort and a curse. remember that.” ‘
Want to read
December 20, 2023HOLD THE PHONE THERE'S ANOTHER BOOK OMIGOSH
if this book is FINALLY the book where Grayson receives the love and attention he deserves i will cry.
if this book is FINALLY the book where Grayson receives the love and attention he deserves i will cry.
August 21, 2025
it’s time to put that pen down jennifer
Want to read
October 17, 2023update: we have a quote we have a quote!!
"If you’ve ever wanted to be a Hawthorne, ever imagined what it would be like to play a Hawthorne game, ever imagined falling in love with Grayson Hawthorne… this book—and the whole Grandest Game series—is for you."
why do i feel so called out 🫣
IF GRAYSON DOESNT GET THE LOVE HE DESERVESSSSS
"If you’ve ever wanted to be a Hawthorne, ever imagined what it would be like to play a Hawthorne game, ever imagined falling in love with Grayson Hawthorne… this book—and the whole Grandest Game series—is for you."
why do i feel so called out 🫣
IF GRAYSON DOESNT GET THE LOVE HE DESERVESSSSS
![Profile Image for ahana ⊹ [ ia ].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1745486243i%2F169798388._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
December 25, 2024
not a single ounce of emotion was evoked in me when anything significant happened to these characters
August 3, 2024
How can the highlight for me, be the small glimpses of our OG characters?
I finished this book, it did not have the same sparkle as The Inheritance games. I liked the games and challenges and that's probably the only reason I finished it.
I finished this book, it did not have the same sparkle as The Inheritance games. I liked the games and challenges and that's probably the only reason I finished it.
August 24, 2024
.ೃ࿐⁀➷ Infinite Stars ✨✨
Jennifer Lynn Barnes has done it again 🧎🏻♀️🧎🏻♀️ Tbh I was a little worried going in knowing that there will be no og POV'S and I am so happy that I ended up absolutely loving it 🤭🤭 TGG can be read alone but I highly recommend reading the original trilogy and The Brothers Hawthorne first as characterwise it will make a lot more sense. Also, I already thought the cover was stunning but after reading it and understanding the meanings to everything it is 10 times more stunning (idk how that's even possible 😂😂)
I found the actual plot/mystery so interesting, and I was completely hooked 😍😍 In the first 4 books if I'm being honest I kinda would jst follow the plot and never rly have any suspicions of what might happen next but in TGG I had so many theories 🤔🤔 and to my surprise I actually guessed some of the riddles 😃😃 Another thing I loved was all the subtle mentions to the previous books, it jst made me so happy 🥰🥰 And the cliffhanger OMG Jennifer what did you do 😭😭
.ೃ࿐⁀➷ Playlist
❥ Mastermind - Taylor Swift
❥ Risk - Gracie Abrams
❥ I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can) - Taylor Swift
❥ This Is Me Trying - Taylor Swift
❥ Dangerous Woman - Ariana Grande
.ೃ࿐⁀➷ Characters
❥ Gigi: I love Gigi so so so much 😍😍 she is my spirit animal fr 🤭🤭 She is so fun and bubbly despite everything she has gone through 🥺🥺 Her quotes throughout the book, I was highlighting like a mad woman 🫣🫣 And the way she wanted to make sure that Brady got enough money to take care of him mum regardless of if he won was jst so sweet of her 😭😭 My new mantra is in a world of Eve's be a Gigi ❤️❤️ Also is it bad that I'm still shipping her with Slade 🫣🫣
❥ Lyra: I have beenimpatiently waiting for Lyra to make an appearance since the second she was introduced in The Brothers Hawthorne, but no one could have prepared me for how much I love her 🤭🤭 She is so sarcastic and witty and literally everything I could ever want in a fmc 🥰🥰 I also felt like I could relate to her I could see so much of myself in her (idk whether that's a good or bad thing 😂😂) Some the things that we learnt abt her past almost had me in tears and all I wanted to do was give her a huge hug 😭😭🫂🫂
❥ Rohan: Tbh I didn't go into TGG expecting to like Rohan and I certainly didn't expect to come out of it loving him 🤭🤭 I loved his character arc and learning abt his past (even tho it made me want to cry 😭😭) Idk why I originally thought that he would be terrible at solving all the riddles and his only talent was gambling (what was I thinking 🤦♀️🤦♀️) so I was pleasantly surprised by every choice he made and how clever/cunning it was 😂😂 And his banter with Savanah was just 🤌🤌 I can't wait to get more of him in Glorious Rivals ❤️❤️
❥ The Hawthornes + Avery: Grayson and I have a rocky past to say the least but for some reason I actually felt for him and could connect with his struggles 🥺🥺 I wish we got more time with Jameson and Avery and how they chose/found Odette and Knox and I also wish we got more of Xander (when am I not wishing that 😂😂) and what role he had in the making of the game. Also, OMG the reveal abt I'm so happy for Libby and Nash ❤️❤️
❥ Other Characters: I have so many mixed opinions on the other characters 🤔🤔 Kane kinda annoyed me tbh but then again when you learnt abt his backstory I felt so so bad for him 🥺🥺 Brady, it's safe to say was not a plot twist that I was expecting, so that hurt 😭😭 Calla *cough Emily 2.0 cough* need I say any more 🙄🙄 I did like Savannah but pls don't continue your plan for revenge 😭😭 And I was SO SO SO sure that Odette was and I mean I guess I was pretty close but still 🥲🥲
.ೃ࿐⁀➷ Romance
❥ Grayson + Lyra: I KNEW IT I KNEW IT I KNEW IT Grayson has finally found someone 🥹🥹 Their dynamic was jst so perfect and OMG when Gray helped her with her flashbacks to the past 😭😭 I CAN'T WAIT to get more of them in Glorious Rivals 🥰🥰
❥ Savannah + Rohan: SCREAMINGGG I love these two sm 🫠🫠 Before going into the Grandest Game I did have my predictions that perhaps we were going to get a romance between these two and I'm SO HAPPY I was right 😩😩 Their banter is EVERYTHING 😭😭 And the way Rohan would call Savannah Savvy was so cute 🤭🤭
❥ Avery + Jameson: I needed more 😭😭 Idk why but I thought that at least 3 or 4 chapters would be in their POV's, but I do understand that they aren't the centre of the series anymore 🥲🥲 I CAN'T WAIT to get more of them in Games Untold 🤭🤭
This scene tho 🤌🤌 Beside Avery, Jameson was looking at her like she was the sun and the
moon and the stars and eternity, all rolled into one.
My heart if officially full 🥺🥺🥰🥰🥹🥹🫠🫠
.ೃ࿐⁀➷ Quotes
“I excel at multitasking, and last year, when I told you to stop calling—I didn’t mean it.”
“I’m not wheezing.” Gigi gave herself a little pep talk. “I’m breathing in an almost musical manner.”
“I’m not in this class,” Lyra repeated. “I fell asleep in the prior lecture.”
“Gigi Grayson was not obsessed! She was not over-caffeinated! She certainly wasn't about to fall of the roof! But try telling a Hawthorne that.”
✧･:*✧･:*✧･:*✧･:*✧･:*✧･:*✧･:*✧･:*✧･:*
eXcUsE mE wHaT 😱😱
rtc
✧･:*✧･:*✧･:*✧･:*✧･:*✧･:*✧･:*✧･:*✧･:*
LET'S GO I'M SO FREAKING EXCITED 😍😍
✧･:*✧･:*✧･:*✧･:*✧･:*✧･:*✧･:*✧･:*✧･:*
I just found out I'm away for school on the release date, I'm actually gonna cry 😭😭
Jennifer Lynn Barnes has done it again 🧎🏻♀️🧎🏻♀️ Tbh I was a little worried going in knowing that there will be no og POV'S and I am so happy that I ended up absolutely loving it 🤭🤭 TGG can be read alone but I highly recommend reading the original trilogy and The Brothers Hawthorne first as characterwise it will make a lot more sense. Also, I already thought the cover was stunning but after reading it and understanding the meanings to everything it is 10 times more stunning (idk how that's even possible 😂😂)
I found the actual plot/mystery so interesting, and I was completely hooked 😍😍 In the first 4 books if I'm being honest I kinda would jst follow the plot and never rly have any suspicions of what might happen next but in TGG I had so many theories 🤔🤔 and to my surprise I actually guessed some of the riddles 😃😃 Another thing I loved was all the subtle mentions to the previous books, it jst made me so happy 🥰🥰 And the cliffhanger OMG Jennifer what did you do 😭😭
.ೃ࿐⁀➷ Playlist
❥ Mastermind - Taylor Swift
❥ Risk - Gracie Abrams
❥ I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can) - Taylor Swift
❥ This Is Me Trying - Taylor Swift
❥ Dangerous Woman - Ariana Grande
.ೃ࿐⁀➷ Characters
❥ Gigi: I love Gigi so so so much 😍😍 she is my spirit animal fr 🤭🤭 She is so fun and bubbly despite everything she has gone through 🥺🥺 Her quotes throughout the book, I was highlighting like a mad woman 🫣🫣 And the way she wanted to make sure that Brady got enough money to take care of him mum regardless of if he won was jst so sweet of her 😭😭 My new mantra is in a world of Eve's be a Gigi ❤️❤️ Also is it bad that I'm still shipping her with Slade 🫣🫣
❥ Lyra: I have been
❥ Rohan: Tbh I didn't go into TGG expecting to like Rohan and I certainly didn't expect to come out of it loving him 🤭🤭 I loved his character arc and learning abt his past (even tho it made me want to cry 😭😭) Idk why I originally thought that he would be terrible at solving all the riddles and his only talent was gambling (what was I thinking 🤦♀️🤦♀️) so I was pleasantly surprised by every choice he made and how clever/cunning it was 😂😂 And his banter with Savanah was just 🤌🤌 I can't wait to get more of him in Glorious Rivals ❤️❤️
❥ The Hawthornes + Avery: Grayson and I have a rocky past to say the least but for some reason I actually felt for him and could connect with his struggles 🥺🥺 I wish we got more time with Jameson and Avery and how they chose/found Odette and Knox and I also wish we got more of Xander (when am I not wishing that 😂😂) and what role he had in the making of the game. Also, OMG the reveal abt I'm so happy for Libby and Nash ❤️❤️
❥ Other Characters: I have so many mixed opinions on the other characters 🤔🤔 Kane kinda annoyed me tbh but then again when you learnt abt his backstory I felt so so bad for him 🥺🥺 Brady, it's safe to say was not a plot twist that I was expecting, so that hurt 😭😭 Calla *cough Emily 2.0 cough* need I say any more 🙄🙄 I did like Savannah but pls don't continue your plan for revenge 😭😭 And I was SO SO SO sure that Odette was and I mean I guess I was pretty close but still 🥲🥲
.ೃ࿐⁀➷ Romance
❥ Grayson + Lyra: I KNEW IT I KNEW IT I KNEW IT Grayson has finally found someone 🥹🥹 Their dynamic was jst so perfect and OMG when Gray helped her with her flashbacks to the past 😭😭 I CAN'T WAIT to get more of them in Glorious Rivals 🥰🥰
❥ Savannah + Rohan: SCREAMINGGG I love these two sm 🫠🫠 Before going into the Grandest Game I did have my predictions that perhaps we were going to get a romance between these two and I'm SO HAPPY I was right 😩😩 Their banter is EVERYTHING 😭😭 And the way Rohan would call Savannah Savvy was so cute 🤭🤭
❥ Avery + Jameson: I needed more 😭😭 Idk why but I thought that at least 3 or 4 chapters would be in their POV's, but I do understand that they aren't the centre of the series anymore 🥲🥲 I CAN'T WAIT to get more of them in Games Untold 🤭🤭
This scene tho 🤌🤌 Beside Avery, Jameson was looking at her like she was the sun and the
moon and the stars and eternity, all rolled into one.
My heart if officially full 🥺🥺🥰🥰🥹🥹🫠🫠
.ೃ࿐⁀➷ Quotes
“I excel at multitasking, and last year, when I told you to stop calling—I didn’t mean it.”
“I’m not wheezing.” Gigi gave herself a little pep talk. “I’m breathing in an almost musical manner.”
“I’m not in this class,” Lyra repeated. “I fell asleep in the prior lecture.”
“Gigi Grayson was not obsessed! She was not over-caffeinated! She certainly wasn't about to fall of the roof! But try telling a Hawthorne that.”
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eXcUsE mE wHaT 😱😱
rtc
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LET'S GO I'M SO FREAKING EXCITED 😍😍
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I just found out I'm away for school on the release date, I'm actually gonna cry 😭😭
Want to read
July 24, 2025Another book?! And its from Gray's POV?! 😲 All ik is that this better be better than the last one. 🤞 And the cover…😍
#justiceforgray
update: so I've been told it's not in grays pov ...yall why ppl lying to me omg 😭 so what am I supposed to do now
#justiceforgray
update: so I've been told it's not in grays pov ...yall why ppl lying to me omg 😭 so what am I supposed to do now
Want to read
April 4, 2024dear barnes,
since we've decided to extend the inheritance games trilogy, i have a plot proposal for you. you're welcome.
avery and jameson have kids who have grandchildren, with unique names like aurelia or caspian. jameson's all old and gray now, so his sensual lines just don't hit anymore. [i'm sorry, but are you ready to play, mystery girl should not be legal. sue me.]
boom. somebody important dies. i'd like to offer up gigi, who's completely irrelevant to the plot. if there is any at all. aurelia's like-- i just can't believe my obscure relative is dead! caspian, let's investigate.
they search for clues and travel to luxurious hotspots, and at the end of the book, what do we get: say it with me y'all, a cliffhanger that NOBODY ASKED FOR.
you can choose from the three options below that i've so wonderfully provided for you.
a. grayson has an illegitimate son. is it caspian-- WHO KNOWS.
b. aurelia's actually avery + nash's child. i prefer this one.
c. gigi + avery actually used those cool skin masks to do a little switcheroo because avery's had enough of jameson. i do not blame her.
i'd recommend the second option for some drama, jennifer. i DO NOT want to read any chapters from jameson's p.o.v. it's the one-liner i said above and begging me to do something about that wet t-shirt of hers that just make me revolted at the mention of his name.
dearly and most importantly, quickly [unlike this series],
adira
since we've decided to extend the inheritance games trilogy, i have a plot proposal for you. you're welcome.
avery and jameson have kids who have grandchildren, with unique names like aurelia or caspian. jameson's all old and gray now, so his sensual lines just don't hit anymore. [i'm sorry, but are you ready to play, mystery girl should not be legal. sue me.]
boom. somebody important dies. i'd like to offer up gigi, who's completely irrelevant to the plot. if there is any at all. aurelia's like-- i just can't believe my obscure relative is dead! caspian, let's investigate.
they search for clues and travel to luxurious hotspots, and at the end of the book, what do we get: say it with me y'all, a cliffhanger that NOBODY ASKED FOR.
you can choose from the three options below that i've so wonderfully provided for you.
a. grayson has an illegitimate son. is it caspian-- WHO KNOWS.
b. aurelia's actually avery + nash's child. i prefer this one.
c. gigi + avery actually used those cool skin masks to do a little switcheroo because avery's had enough of jameson. i do not blame her.
i'd recommend the second option for some drama, jennifer. i DO NOT want to read any chapters from jameson's p.o.v. it's the one-liner i said above and begging me to do something about that wet t-shirt of hers that just make me revolted at the mention of his name.
dearly and most importantly, quickly [unlike this series],
adira
May 10, 2025
➳ 3.5 ☆! ⌚ mini review
⤷ okay not bad!! the ending was totally worth it, i need july to come faster EEEEEEK
₊‧꒰my thoughts꒱ ‧₊
⤷ im so happy jlb kept her signature short chapters because that helped me get thru this quickly!! 🥹 unfortunately, this isnt my fav book in the series OR by her, but the ending made up for it. and i think it sets up book 2 for a lot of lore, action, drama, + more!! seeing the original characters from the series was great, they all seem like a big fam 🫂 and as for the new characters, im intrigued! i ship rohansav, and ofc lyragray 🤭 and i like gigi! BUT WHAT IS UP WITH KNOX AND BRADY LIKE...😭 i guess we'll see. anyways, i do think that this was a solid read, but hawthorne legacy stays ON TOP. see you in book 2 😚😚
➳ beside avery, jameson was looking at her like she was the sun and the moon and the stars and eternity, all rolled into one. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH.
➳ as a rule, when i can no longer deny that i am hurting, i push people away. i find a way to hurt more. 😔
➳ in gigi's experience, xander was an innovative, baked-goods-loving, big-hearted chaos factory who was always designing or building something. THATS MY FAV XANDERRR!
---------------------
⌚| ‧꒰ა preview! ໒꒱
yayy!! finally continuing this series after a bit, and i heard this is GRAYS LOVE STORY?? SAY LESS MANS DESERVES TO BE HAPPY 🥹🫶 i know jlb's books to be fast-paced so im super excited, plus i havent read a lot of mystery/thriller recently so this'll be fun! let the games begin 🤭 AND HAPPY MAY EVERYONE!! these past few weeks are still super busy for me, but summer is soon so just u waittt 😽 have a wonderful month everyone!! ilyilyily
2023
EXCUSE ME?? ANOTHER BOOK? the inheritance games trilogy was amazing, chefs kiss.. BUT ANOTHER ONE! HECK YEAH, just watch, the cover is gonna be amazing, (i havent even read the brothers hawthorne yet SMH)
⤷ okay not bad!! the ending was totally worth it, i need july to come faster EEEEEEK
jameson looked from grayson to lyra and smiled a smile that could only be described as wicked. "this should be fun."
₊‧꒰my thoughts꒱ ‧₊
⤷ im so happy jlb kept her signature short chapters because that helped me get thru this quickly!! 🥹 unfortunately, this isnt my fav book in the series OR by her, but the ending made up for it. and i think it sets up book 2 for a lot of lore, action, drama, + more!! seeing the original characters from the series was great, they all seem like a big fam 🫂 and as for the new characters, im intrigued! i ship rohansav, and ofc lyragray 🤭 and i like gigi! BUT WHAT IS UP WITH KNOX AND BRADY LIKE...😭 i guess we'll see. anyways, i do think that this was a solid read, but hawthorne legacy stays ON TOP. see you in book 2 😚😚
➳ beside avery, jameson was looking at her like she was the sun and the moon and the stars and eternity, all rolled into one. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH.
➳ as a rule, when i can no longer deny that i am hurting, i push people away. i find a way to hurt more. 😔
➳ in gigi's experience, xander was an innovative, baked-goods-loving, big-hearted chaos factory who was always designing or building something. THATS MY FAV XANDERRR!
---------------------
⌚| ‧꒰ა preview! ໒꒱
yayy!! finally continuing this series after a bit, and i heard this is GRAYS LOVE STORY?? SAY LESS MANS DESERVES TO BE HAPPY 🥹🫶 i know jlb's books to be fast-paced so im super excited, plus i havent read a lot of mystery/thriller recently so this'll be fun! let the games begin 🤭 AND HAPPY MAY EVERYONE!! these past few weeks are still super busy for me, but summer is soon so just u waittt 😽 have a wonderful month everyone!! ilyilyily
2023
EXCUSE ME?? ANOTHER BOOK? the inheritance games trilogy was amazing, chefs kiss.. BUT ANOTHER ONE! HECK YEAH, just watch, the cover is gonna be amazing, (i havent even read the brothers hawthorne yet SMH)
Currently reading
November 12, 2024⋆·˚໒꒰ྀིっ˕ -｡꒱ྀི১·˚ ༘
pre-read.
buddy read with my bestie siri <3
luv ya bestie 🫶🏻🤍
pre-read.
buddy read with my bestie siri <3
luv ya bestie 🫶🏻🤍
January 13, 2026
grayson “give me your eyes, sweetheart” hawthorne
July 21, 2025
OH. MY. GOD. MY BB GRAYSON’S MENTAL HEALTH IMPROVEMENT🥹🥹 HOW HE COMFORTS LYRA WIJWHDJWIDNEKS AND MY GOD DO I LOVE HIM THE SWEETEST MAN EVER
ALSO OMG ROHAN IS SO. SO. HOT. I ALREADY LOVED HIM BUT OMGIMGOMG HE WAS MAKING ME GIGGLE AND BLUSH AND MY HESRT WAS RACING
but so many things could have been done better and I hate lyra RTC
———————
GUYS 27 MORE DAYS UNTIL THE LOML COMES BACK TO ME 🥹 GRAYSONGRAYSONGRAYSON MYHEARTMIGHTEXPLODE IMSOEXCITEDICOULDCRY
------------
YA'LL, THIS WAS MEANT TO BE. FATE. DESTINY. GOD'S PLAN. I'M THE FIRST ONE TO PUT THIS BOOK ON HOLD IN MY LIBRARY??? IT'S GIVING GRAYSON X NIYYA 4LIFE. I'm so special
-----------------------------
Another brain dump that will surely be deleted once I read the book, thank u sehr<3
Hawthorne vault password: cat 🙀
YOU GUYS HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH THIS SMALL SNIPPET MEANS TO ME. MY ENTIRE DAY HAS BEEN MADE. YES, GRAYSON ONLY SPOKE 20 WORDS BUT THAT IS ENOUGH FOR ME 🤭 I GENUINELY LOVE THIS MAN SM OMG. HIS PALE GRAY EYES, SUIT, AND THE AUTHORITY IN HIS VOICEEEE, "Explain." Yes sir, I will explain until you are satisfied 🥰 GIGGLING AND JUMPING WITH JOY FR PLS. AND HE'S PETTING A CAT. I'm being so serious rn the smile on my face will not go away today, I GOT NEW GRAYSON CONTENT 🤸 I'm so in love with him
-----------------
so random, but Grayson's silhouette on his card looks so good🥰
-----------------
GIRL ON THE PHONE FROM TBH HAS A NAME YA'LL. LYRA KANE, AND SHE IS OUR THIRD POV. (currently rotting because although Grayson is the major/main character, we don't get his POVS) IS SHE GRAYSON'S LOVE INTEREST? Lyragrayson... I'm not sure how I feel about that. I honestly don't remember how she acted or what was said on the phone call 💀
-----------------
"If you’ve ever wanted to be a Hawthorne, ever imagined what it would be like to play a Hawthorne game, ever imagined falling in love with Grayson Hawthorne… this book—and the whole Grandest Game series—is for you."
HOLY COW GUYS. GRAYSON GETS A FLIPPING LOVE INTEREST OH MY GOD. WHO IS IT. WHO THE HELL IS IT. (Plot twist: it's me)
Am I still raging about the fact that AveryGrayson is not endgame? Absolutely. But am I excited for this? Absolutely.
This book screams Grayson Hawthorne and I'm loving it. (Though I will say this is my least favorite cover of all the series)
WE GET GIGI AND ROHAN POVS. GIGI??? SCREAMING, I LOVE HER, GIGI SUPREMACY. AND ROHAN IS SO UNDERRATED IM SO EXCITED.
WHO'S THE THIRD POV?? JLB, I kindly beg, PLEASE MAKE IT GRAYSON, PLEASE. I can't get enough of him, I need more for what you did to me in The Final Gambit and The Brothers Hawthorne😞
-----------------------------------
OH MY GOD??? GRAYSON CONTENT???????
ALSO OMG ROHAN IS SO. SO. HOT. I ALREADY LOVED HIM BUT OMGIMGOMG HE WAS MAKING ME GIGGLE AND BLUSH AND MY HESRT WAS RACING
but so many things could have been done better and I hate lyra RTC
———————
GUYS 27 MORE DAYS UNTIL THE LOML COMES BACK TO ME 🥹 GRAYSONGRAYSONGRAYSON MYHEARTMIGHTEXPLODE IMSOEXCITEDICOULDCRY
------------
YA'LL, THIS WAS MEANT TO BE. FATE. DESTINY. GOD'S PLAN. I'M THE FIRST ONE TO PUT THIS BOOK ON HOLD IN MY LIBRARY??? IT'S GIVING GRAYSON X NIYYA 4LIFE. I'm so special
-----------------------------
Another brain dump that will surely be deleted once I read the book, thank u sehr<3
Hawthorne vault password: cat 🙀
YOU GUYS HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH THIS SMALL SNIPPET MEANS TO ME. MY ENTIRE DAY HAS BEEN MADE. YES, GRAYSON ONLY SPOKE 20 WORDS BUT THAT IS ENOUGH FOR ME 🤭 I GENUINELY LOVE THIS MAN SM OMG. HIS PALE GRAY EYES, SUIT, AND THE AUTHORITY IN HIS VOICEEEE, "Explain." Yes sir, I will explain until you are satisfied 🥰 GIGGLING AND JUMPING WITH JOY FR PLS. AND HE'S PETTING A CAT. I'm being so serious rn the smile on my face will not go away today, I GOT NEW GRAYSON CONTENT 🤸 I'm so in love with him
-----------------
so random, but Grayson's silhouette on his card looks so good🥰
-----------------
GIRL ON THE PHONE FROM TBH HAS A NAME YA'LL. LYRA KANE, AND SHE IS OUR THIRD POV. (currently rotting because although Grayson is the major/main character, we don't get his POVS) IS SHE GRAYSON'S LOVE INTEREST? Lyragrayson... I'm not sure how I feel about that. I honestly don't remember how she acted or what was said on the phone call 💀
-----------------
"If you’ve ever wanted to be a Hawthorne, ever imagined what it would be like to play a Hawthorne game, ever imagined falling in love with Grayson Hawthorne… this book—and the whole Grandest Game series—is for you."
HOLY COW GUYS. GRAYSON GETS A FLIPPING LOVE INTEREST OH MY GOD. WHO IS IT. WHO THE HELL IS IT. (Plot twist: it's me)
Am I still raging about the fact that AveryGrayson is not endgame? Absolutely. But am I excited for this? Absolutely.
This book screams Grayson Hawthorne and I'm loving it. (Though I will say this is my least favorite cover of all the series)
WE GET GIGI AND ROHAN POVS. GIGI??? SCREAMING, I LOVE HER, GIGI SUPREMACY. AND ROHAN IS SO UNDERRATED IM SO EXCITED.
WHO'S THE THIRD POV?? JLB, I kindly beg, PLEASE MAKE IT GRAYSON, PLEASE. I can't get enough of him, I need more for what you did to me in The Final Gambit and The Brothers Hawthorne😞
-----------------------------------
OH MY GOD??? GRAYSON CONTENT???????
July 30, 2024
reading this for the game and the averyjameson crumbs (hopefully we’ll get more than crumbs 🤞🏼)
yeah their crumbs were the highlight of the book
yeah their crumbs were the highlight of the book
September 4, 2024
꒰𓍼𓍢ִ໋🗝꒱ — 4 ★
"𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔, 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒐𝒏. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒖𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒘𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒖𝒔, 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒍."
Dear Jennifer, I'm aware you love torturing us, but ending a book on such a cliffhanger should be illegal. How on earth am I supposed to wait ONE YEAR for Glorious Rivals? I need that book for yesterday.
"𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔𝒏'𝒕. 𝑰 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒆. 𝑰 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒚. 𝑰𝒕 𝒊𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒕."
At first I was kinda bored, but when the game began, I got really invested. What I love the most about JLB's books is that they're fast paced, and chapters in them are short, which makes you just speed through these books. The riddles and puzzles were interesting, and I really liked the way they were being solved.
"𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔, 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆."
If it comes to three povs we got, I have to admit that I enjoyed Lyra's one the most! I sorta didn't care about Gigi's pov, though. I mean, it wasn't bad, but simply it didn't seem as interesting as Lyra and Rohan's did?
"𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒓𝒖𝒆𝒍 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒈𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒇𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒏."
Frankly, I have never liked Gray for some unexplainable reasons. It had always been that way. So it's funny, how people say that Gray is bland here opposite to other books, but for me it's the book that made me like him. It took me five books to like him, so we really had a slow burn thing going on. He may seem different, but it's Gray who's finally in his healing process, who started to express his emotions and worked up the courage to let people in. Thankfully, JLB stopped torturing him. Oh man, the phone girl & a Hawthorne boy delivered. I loved Lyra & Gray's dynamic. I mean, the forehead scene, the chandelier scene, the panic attack scene, the scene in which he called her "sweetheart"(I almost died) I ate every of these scenes up and left no crumbs. I genuinely adored every scene with Lyra and Gray. Istg, Jameson and Avery were lowkey shipping them. They knew what they were doing when they told them to draw each other in order to earn a hint.
"𝑯𝒆 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒆𝒓. 𝑯𝒆 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔, 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒏 𝒊𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒕𝒐𝒐."
"𝑳𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓, 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒕𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈—𝑰 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏'𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝒊𝒕."
"𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆, 𝒐𝒓 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆."
I liked Savannah and Rohan too. I loved how he was calling her Savvy. Savannah's nickname for Rohan was terrible, though. I mean "British", seriously? Istg, he was giving off dark romance vibes in some scenes, like in the scene in which he took the knife to the shower? Yeah, that didn't feel like he belonged to a YA book. When Savannah told Rohan that Avery killed her father, I was like, no, girl, she did not, actually, it was your father who wanted to kill Avery, so you definitely have a bad source of information.
"𝑰 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝑺𝒂𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒂𝒉. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒓𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒆, 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒊𝒄𝒆."
"𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔, 𝑺𝒂𝒗𝒗𝒚—𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔."
I was so happy when Jameson, Nash, Xander or Avery made an appearance. I missed the Hawthornes, and the Hawthorne's heiress. I loved all of the averyjameson crumbs.They made my heart so full. 🥹🤍
"𝑩𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝑨𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚, 𝑱𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒓𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒐𝒏𝒆."
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
꒰𓍼𓍢ִ໋🗝꒱ — pre-read
Finally got my hands on TGG!! I'm curious about Lyra and Gray, even though I've never been a fan of him. LET THE GAME BEGIN!
"𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔, 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒐𝒏. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒖𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒘𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒖𝒔, 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒍."
Dear Jennifer, I'm aware you love torturing us, but ending a book on such a cliffhanger should be illegal. How on earth am I supposed to wait ONE YEAR for Glorious Rivals? I need that book for yesterday.
"𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔𝒏'𝒕. 𝑰 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒆. 𝑰 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒚. 𝑰𝒕 𝒊𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒕."
At first I was kinda bored, but when the game began, I got really invested. What I love the most about JLB's books is that they're fast paced, and chapters in them are short, which makes you just speed through these books. The riddles and puzzles were interesting, and I really liked the way they were being solved.
"𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔, 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆."
If it comes to three povs we got, I have to admit that I enjoyed Lyra's one the most! I sorta didn't care about Gigi's pov, though. I mean, it wasn't bad, but simply it didn't seem as interesting as Lyra and Rohan's did?
"𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒓𝒖𝒆𝒍 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒈𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒇𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒏."
Frankly, I have never liked Gray for some unexplainable reasons. It had always been that way. So it's funny, how people say that Gray is bland here opposite to other books, but for me it's the book that made me like him. It took me five books to like him, so we really had a slow burn thing going on. He may seem different, but it's Gray who's finally in his healing process, who started to express his emotions and worked up the courage to let people in. Thankfully, JLB stopped torturing him. Oh man, the phone girl & a Hawthorne boy delivered. I loved Lyra & Gray's dynamic. I mean, the forehead scene, the chandelier scene, the panic attack scene, the scene in which he called her "sweetheart"(I almost died) I ate every of these scenes up and left no crumbs. I genuinely adored every scene with Lyra and Gray. Istg, Jameson and Avery were lowkey shipping them. They knew what they were doing when they told them to draw each other in order to earn a hint.
"𝑯𝒆 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒆𝒓. 𝑯𝒆 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔, 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒏 𝒊𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒕𝒐𝒐."
"𝑳𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓, 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒕𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈—𝑰 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏'𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝒊𝒕."
"𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆, 𝒐𝒓 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆."
I liked Savannah and Rohan too. I loved how he was calling her Savvy. Savannah's nickname for Rohan was terrible, though. I mean "British", seriously? Istg, he was giving off dark romance vibes in some scenes, like in the scene in which he took the knife to the shower? Yeah, that didn't feel like he belonged to a YA book. When Savannah told Rohan that Avery killed her father, I was like, no, girl, she did not, actually, it was your father who wanted to kill Avery, so you definitely have a bad source of information.
"𝑰 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝑺𝒂𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒂𝒉. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒓𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒆, 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒊𝒄𝒆."
"𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔, 𝑺𝒂𝒗𝒗𝒚—𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔."
I was so happy when Jameson, Nash, Xander or Avery made an appearance. I missed the Hawthornes, and the Hawthorne's heiress. I loved all of the averyjameson crumbs.They made my heart so full. 🥹🤍
"𝑩𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝑨𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚, 𝑱𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒓𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒐𝒏𝒆."
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
꒰𓍼𓍢ִ໋🗝꒱ — pre-read
Finally got my hands on TGG!! I'm curious about Lyra and Gray, even though I've never been a fan of him. LET THE GAME BEGIN!
![Profile Image for ari [gin’s vrsn 🩵] [semi ia].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1757265812i%2F180071670._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
September 3, 2025
5⭐
spoiler free
15+
romance: 6/10 (innuendo, semi-descriptive kisses, two characters lust for each other but it’s described in a way that’s innocuous)
cursing: 2/10 (semi-frequent mild cursing)
violence: 5/10 (moderate)
other: characters consume alcohol. drugs mentioned
tw: familial estrangement, grief, death
tropes: rivals to lovers
third person, past tense
multiple pov
👹– SHOUTOUTS –👹
avarie
⤷ sorry i read ahead bestie 😭
thank you for buddy reading with me, i promise to be better next time 🥺
– OVERVIEW –
this book was THE BEST in the entire inheritance games saga
this book felt nostalgic in the best way possible. i’m not sure if i’m the only one on here who grew up with the mr. lemoncello books (it’s me, hi, i’m the problem. it’s me.) but if you loved those, you’ll LOVE this. the whole series alr had a lemoncello esq vibe, but this one took it up a notch.
lwk read this in less than 24 hours, i just could not put it down.
plot aside can we take a moment to appreciate the TENSION in this book? oh sweet zucchini the tension just abt took me out.
the chandelier scene?
the hairbrush scene?
the KISS ON THE CLIFF?!
lord have mercy on me. i waited since bh for that kiss and it did not disappoint 😩😩
and we have a new book bf 💕rohan💕 (loml 😭)
– PLOT –
mr lemoncello meets willy wonka but make it ya, raise the stakes, and add a sizzling romance sub-plot
– CHARACTERS –
rohan
⤷ my new favorite boy from this series 😩😋
grayson
⤷ still my hubby dw. he’s the og for lifeeeee
gigi
⤷ diva ily
lyra
⤷ ehhh i have mixed feelings abt her, but her and grayson are the CUTEST
savannah
⤷ queen
– CONCLUSION –
you need to read this series. 😃👍
(no this is not a suggestion)
– post-read –
WHYYYYYY JLB WHYYYYY 😭😭😭😭😭
rtc
spoiler free
15+
romance: 6/10 (innuendo, semi-descriptive kisses, two characters lust for each other but it’s described in a way that’s innocuous)
cursing: 2/10 (semi-frequent mild cursing)
violence: 5/10 (moderate)
other: characters consume alcohol. drugs mentioned
tw: familial estrangement, grief, death
tropes: rivals to lovers
third person, past tense
multiple pov
👹– SHOUTOUTS –👹
avarie
⤷ sorry i read ahead bestie 😭
thank you for buddy reading with me, i promise to be better next time 🥺
– OVERVIEW –
this book was THE BEST in the entire inheritance games saga
this book felt nostalgic in the best way possible. i’m not sure if i’m the only one on here who grew up with the mr. lemoncello books (it’s me, hi, i’m the problem. it’s me.) but if you loved those, you’ll LOVE this. the whole series alr had a lemoncello esq vibe, but this one took it up a notch.
lwk read this in less than 24 hours, i just could not put it down.
plot aside can we take a moment to appreciate the TENSION in this book? oh sweet zucchini the tension just abt took me out.
the chandelier scene?
the hairbrush scene?
the KISS ON THE CLIFF?!
lord have mercy on me. i waited since bh for that kiss and it did not disappoint 😩😩
and we have a new book bf 💕rohan💕 (loml 😭)
– PLOT –
mr lemoncello meets willy wonka but make it ya, raise the stakes, and add a sizzling romance sub-plot
– CHARACTERS –
rohan
⤷ my new favorite boy from this series 😩😋
grayson
⤷ still my hubby dw. he’s the og for lifeeeee
gigi
⤷ diva ily
lyra
⤷ ehhh i have mixed feelings abt her, but her and grayson are the CUTEST
savannah
⤷ queen
– CONCLUSION –
you need to read this series. 😃👍
(no this is not a suggestion)
– post-read –
WHYYYYYY JLB WHYYYYY 😭😭😭😭😭
rtc
September 14, 2024
I have been reading JLB books since 2015, just for reference only 2 of The Naturals books were out at the time (I was on it before it was popular and yes, it's one of my greatest points of pride). I enjoy her writing and creativity. But something here felt off.
First off, I thought this would be about Gray and he was a really small part in actuality, and his romance was odd and I was not feeling it.
I liked Gigi before, no longer.
I don't really care about the other characters.
We had like 4? maybe 8 senses of Xander? made me really sad we didn't have more as I love him to bits.
ODETTE IS THE BEST CHARACTER AND I'LL DIE ON THIS HILL (Which for a book where I already know half the people is a little sad ngl...). Will definitely read a book/novella just about her past.
I am disappointed but mostly because I really thought this was going to be something and it was really not it. The whole point of the game felt pointless? if the people are already rich going in/have benefactors? why do the game at all?
Will still probably read the next ones, but I need to remember not to expect... anything really and then I'll probably enjoy it more.
----------------------
After SK's spoiler update, I had to jump onto this one (I chose to see the spoiler! it was marked and all!), and also Bella agreed to Buddy Read this with me <3
----------------------
Guys, serious question: Can I read this without having read The Brothers Hawthorne?
First off, I thought this would be about Gray and he was a really small part in actuality, and his romance was odd and I was not feeling it.
I liked Gigi before, no longer.
I don't really care about the other characters.
We had like 4? maybe 8 senses of Xander? made me really sad we didn't have more as I love him to bits.
ODETTE IS THE BEST CHARACTER AND I'LL DIE ON THIS HILL (Which for a book where I already know half the people is a little sad ngl...). Will definitely read a book/novella just about her past.
I am disappointed but mostly because I really thought this was going to be something and it was really not it. The whole point of the game felt pointless? if the people are already rich going in/have benefactors? why do the game at all?
Will still probably read the next ones, but I need to remember not to expect... anything really and then I'll probably enjoy it more.
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After SK's spoiler update, I had to jump onto this one (I chose to see the spoiler! it was marked and all!), and also Bella agreed to Buddy Read this with me <3
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Guys, serious question: Can I read this without having read The Brothers Hawthorne?
September 8, 2025
NAUR WHAT WAS THAT ENDING WDYM I HAVE TO WAIT AN YEAR FOR THE NEXT BOOK 😭 still undecided on the rating so i might change it but settling on four stars rn i think? rtc <3
──── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─────
➳ pre-read ✧ ˚.
IT'S HERE!! hoping this is better than the brothers hawthorne 🙏 also PLEASE averyjameson crumbs i miss my babies
──── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─────
➳ pre-read ✧ ˚.
IT'S HERE!! hoping this is better than the brothers hawthorne 🙏 also PLEASE averyjameson crumbs i miss my babies
May 5, 2025
2💫
underwhelming, boring, couldnt care less. extremely disappointed because i loved the inheritance games and this world. thats all i have to say.
underwhelming, boring, couldnt care less. extremely disappointed because i loved the inheritance games and this world. thats all i have to say.
July 17, 2025
dnf @ pg. 276
i only liked lyra and grayson...
₊˚ ‿︵‿︵‿︵୨୧ · · ♡ · · ୨୧‿︵‿︵‿︵ ˚₊
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ pre-read ♡⋆°｡⋆𐙚
⤷ pati has been telling me to read this for so long, so it’s finally happening 🤭
i only liked lyra and grayson...
₊˚ ‿︵‿︵‿︵୨୧ · · ♡ · · ୨୧‿︵‿︵‿︵ ˚₊
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ pre-read ♡⋆°｡⋆𐙚
⤷ pati has been telling me to read this for so long, so it’s finally happening 🤭
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